Known as one of the top Halloween destinations in the U.S., Salem, Massachusetts is also one of the best destinations in New England to explore for history, charming streets, and spooky ghost tours. If you’re planning a visit to New England and are hoping to visit this great little city, you may be wondering what the best time to visit Salem, MA is, and if October is actually worth it.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! Having visiting Salem in October a few times myself, as well as in other seasons, I can share my personal experience on what October is like, if it’s worth the crowds, and what to expect. And with that, let’s get started!
![The Friendship of Salem ship in Massachusetts.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-7.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
![The Sail Loft Building at the historic Maritimes National Historic Site in October, which is the best time to visit Salem, MA in the fall.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-6.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
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So, Is Salem, MA Worth Visiting In October?
![The famous Witch House in October, which is the best time to visit Salem, MA for Halloween fun.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-9.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Honestly, it really depends – allow me to explain π
If you’re looking to plan the ultimate fall getaway, complete with New England foliage, the best ghost tours, Halloween parties and festivities, and in general, love celebrating Halloween, then October is truly spectacular in Salem, and worth the hype.
If your primary reason for visiting is to admire the colonial architecture, explore the history and museums, take a walking tour, and just enjoy the great things the city has to offer, you can visit any time of the year and get a lot out of your trip – without the massive October crowds.
Best Time To Visit Salem In October
The closer to Halloween you get, the more crowded, and exciting, Salem gets. While the city’s Haunted Happenings festival takes place the entire month of October, the biggest and best events happen closer to Halloween.
So, this kind of depends on how “all in” you want to go with your visit. If you want the full Halloween experience, I would visit the weekend before Halloween to attend the big Halloween costume ball, and also enjoy peak fall foliage around the city.
That said, though, there are really tons of great events that take place each weekend in October. For example, the biggest parade usually happens in early October, and there are also costume parties every weekend (they’re not usually as big as the Halloween Ball, though).
Most haunted houses and ghost tours take place all month long. The only thing to note is that some events may only run on weekends, or Thursday-Sunday, so it’s always good to double check before making special plans.
What’s Really The Best Time To Visit Salem, MA?
![Fall foliage on a historic street in Salem, Massachusetts in October.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-11.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
So, my overall opinion? Despite the crowds and overall craziness of October, I honestly think this is the best time to visit Salem, MA for an unique and exciting experience, especially if it’s been on your bucket list for a while. If you plan accordingly for everything, it’s a really cool experience to have once in your life, and really makes for a memorable fall getaway in New England.
However, it may not be worth it for everyone. If you’re not super into Halloween, and don’t really care for busy and crowded places, October is probably a month you’ll want to avoid in Salem.
I think a lot of it also boils down to expectations. I’m personally not a huge fan of crowds, and on my first visit to Salem, I wasn’t really prepared enough for it. I felt overwhelmed and a bit stressed by how many people were everywhere. I also booked last-minute (which is like 2-3 months in advance for this time of the year π) and had to stay in a hotel outside of town, which made commuting in and out, er, less than ideal.
But then, I came back a few more times in October, and planned a lot better, and had an absolute blast. I’m not much of a partier, so I mostly just enjoy the walking tours, costumes and decorations, and overall fall atmosphere more than anything. Oh, and of course, the whole Hocus Pocus movie vibe π So even though I’m not exactly the target tourist for Salem in October, I still absolutely love it.
Salem In October – What’s It Like?
![Halloween decorations in October, which is the most exciting time to visit Salem, Massachusetts.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-13.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
To sum it up: Chaotic, exciting, festive, and tons of fun π Which, I know is not all that specific, but that truly encompasses what it’s like during Haunted Happenings.
Overall, expect lots of people everywhere, but most everyone is in good spirits, and they go all out by wearing witch hats, and dressing up in some type of costume. It’s a great time to celebrate Halloween and kind of feel like a kid again in many ways.
The downside to October is the same as a high tourist season anywhere else – hotel prices are at their peak, restaurants fill up fast, and it’s hard to escape the crowds. But, as mentioned, if you plan ahead of time, know what you’re getting into, and embrace the entire vibe, it makes things so much more enjoyable.
Another reason that October is the best time to visit Salem is because of the fall foliage. While it’s not exactly the most impressive foliage destination in New England, there are a lot of trees around the city that turn red, yellow, and orange. Combine that with the beautiful and historic colonial houses, it feels like a quintessential New England neighborhood fall postcard.
Fall foliage in Salem peaks around the last two weeks in October, and can sometimes last through early November. This varies from year to year depending on weather patterns earlier in the season, but generally this is when to expect the brightest foliage color in Salem.
Salem In November
![The House of Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-8.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
November is a great time to visit Salem, MA if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. For example, if you’d like to visit when foliage is around, but you’re not huge on the Halloween festivities, this may be a good month to visit. I’ve been to Salem the first weekend in November, and really loved it for that reason.
During that visit, the crowds were vastly smaller, it was easy to get tables at restaurants, and the overall vibe was a lot more peaceful around town. And there was still a decent amount of fall color and Halloween decorations around, too. Just remember, foliage isn’t an exact science, so if it happens to peak early one year, it could be less vibrant in early November.
Salem In The Spring & Summer
![The House of Seven Gables in Salem, MA in the summer season.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Spring and summer in Salem are great times to visit for the best weather. New England in general sees its best weather June through early September, so if you happen to visit around this time, you’ll get to enjoy all the top attractions with fewer crowds.
It’s also really fun to visit the city when flowers and plants are in full bloom, which enhances the colonial architecture in a different way than fall foliage, and is often refreshing to see.
Tours and attractions are all open this time of the year, so you’ll pretty much get the full Salem experience, save for the Halloween celebrations.
Salem In The Winter
![Ice sculpture during the So Sweet festival in Salem, MA in the winter.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-3.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
![Ice sculptures during the So Sweet festival, which is one of the best times to visit Salem, MA if you want the cheapest hotel rates and fewest crowds.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-1.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)
This is considered off-season for Salem, but I wouldn’t necessarily count out winter for a visit, either. This is when you’ll find the cheapest rates at the hotels, and the fewest crowds throughout the year. But, of course, you’ll still get to enjoy much of what Salem has to offer.
While some places may be closed for the season, much of the city is still open, and tours are still running in the winter.
There’s also a very fun event in the winter called the So Sweet & Ice Sculpture Festival. This usually takes place close to Valentine’s Day, and includes ice sculptures throughout town that light up at night, a kick-off fundraising party, and chocolates at many of the local shops.
Most Expensive & Cheapest Times To Visit Salem
As mentioned, October will absolutely be the most expensive time to visit Salem. Since this is a highly coveted destination to visit in the northeast for Halloween, hotels charge accordingly, so you’ll want to be prepared to pay top dollar for a hotel in October, especially on weekends.
![Salem, MA in the winter season.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-4.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The cheapest time to visit is in the winter, and more specifically, January – March. There may be a small spike in hotels around Valentine’s Day for the holiday and So Sweet festival, but you’ll likely still find great deals around then, too.
Where To Stay In Salem
![Overview of Salem, MA from the harbor.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-14.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
If you plan to visit Salem in October, I can’t stress this enough: Stay in-town, where you can walk everywhere! Traffic and parking around Salem in October, especially on the weekends, can be a bit challenging. And it’s also good to know that Salem is a city that’s just outside of Boston – New England’s biggest city. So, you’re already dealing with that kind of traffic on top of the holiday – especially during rush hour.
Additionally, you’ll want to book a hotel that has on-site parking to make your life a bit easier. Not all hotels in the main historic area (where you’ll be spending almost all your time) have on-site parking for guests, so definitely pay attention to that detail when looking for places to stay.
Here are the best hotels to stay at that have on-site parking,
and are a short walk to the top attractions:
β The Salem Inn
β Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
β Hawthorne Hotel
If you’re okay with a bit of a longer walk (under a mile) from the historic area,
these are the best hotels with on-site parking:
β The Coach House
β The Cove
Best Day Of The Week To Visit Salem
If you visit in October, the weekends tend to have the most going on, so you’ll want to visit Thursday – Sunday for the full Halloween experience.
If you want to visit in October, but really want to avoid the weekends, then Monday – Thursday is ideal to avoid the biggest crowds. You’ll also save a bit on hotel rates during the week, too.
How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Salem?
![The Maritimes National Historic Site in Salem, MA.](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/best-time-to-visit-salem-ma-5.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
The historic area of Salem is pretty small and walkable, and most everything can be seen in a day. However, especially in October, it’s worthwhile to spend the weekend there to enjoy everything at a slower pace, and take it all in. If you want time to explore all the museums, go on a few tours, and enjoy the top sites, then a weekend is plenty of time to do that.
If you visit outside of October, day trips are even easier because you won’t be slowed down by all the crowds and long wait times at restaurants.
That said, I’ve done day trips in October, and had no problem seeing the top sites, and getting a pretty full experience. It really just depends on how much time you have, and what kind of a priority Salem is on your trip.
Salem Day Trip From Boston
If Boston is your home base, Salem is very easy to visit for just the day! By car, it’s anywhere from 35-60 minutes depending on traffic, and usually you can get there closer to 45 minutes (including parking).
If you visit in October on a weekend, you may want to consider taking the ferry if it suits your plans. This will allow you a more leisurely ride over to Salem, and departs right from Long Wharf in Boston. It takes about 50 minutes each way, and is more expensive, but this will avoid all traffic and parking challenges.
π³οΈ Click here to check out the Boston β Salem Ferry
*Be sure to book both your outbound and return tickets, as you purchase them separately!
Psst! I have an entire guide on planning the perfect Salem, MA day trip, if you need more information π
Tips For Visiting Salem In October
![Shopping in Salem, MA is always a treat!](https://i0.wp.com/newenglandwanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/salem-day-trip-47.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
β Book well in advance if you’re visiting in October. I know I’ve mentioned this a few times, but it bears repeating π Hotels on weekends in October book out very quickly, especially for the big Halloween Ball. You’ll also want to book tours and restaurant reservations in advance.
β Research parking if you’re driving in for the day, or staying at a hotel that doesn’t have on-site parking. Generally, I park at the South Wharf/Waterfront parking garage because I’ve always been able to find a spot there. It’s a bit more expensive, but not as much as some of the prime street parking meters. For more information, visit this website about parking in Salem.
β Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on some even, cobblestone and brick streets, so definitely leave the heels at home π I usually wear sneakers or flat boots when I visit.
β The historic area where most attractions are is very walkable. While Salem is a city, most of the best things to see are in a small area, so it’s a good idea to have an idea of where everything is on a map, and just walk everywhere.
You may also find these posts helpful:
- My PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Guide To Visiting Massachusetts In The Fall
- Boston In The Fall: Fun Things To Do & Foliage Tips
- Best Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
- Ultimate Guide To Fall In New England
That’s A Wrap On The Best Time To Visit Salem, MA
There you have it! That’s the inside scoop, and my opinion, on the best time to visit Salem, MA. It really comes down to what you want out of your trip, and how excited you are about the Halloween festivities. Knowing that Salem is worth visiting year-round, I recommend choosing a time to visit that best suits your own preferences to get the most out of your trip. Happy planning!